スポーツ｜横綱経験者が相次いで引退 / Sports | Former Yokozuna Retire One After Another

Summary

In recent years, there has been a notable trend of former yokozuna leaving the Japan Sumo Association. Renowned yokozuna such as Wakanohana, Akebono, Asashoryu, and Harumafuji have not remained with the association as coaches after their retirement; instead, they have transitioned into careers in entertainment or combat sports. Particularly in the case of former yokozuna Hakuho, the association attempted to persuade him to stay, but ultimately he decided to retire. This phenomenon could potentially impact the future of the sumo world and the preservation of its traditions.

Dialogue

This dialogue is fictional and based on the article.

Chako: Hey Log, I heard a lot of yokozuna have been retiring lately! I wonder why that is?
Log: Yeah, it seems like more yokozuna are choosing not to stay in the association as coaches after they retire. Many are transitioning to careers in entertainment or combat sports.
Chako: Why is that happening? Sumo is all about tradition, right?
Navi: While the traditions of sumo are important, I think the backgrounds of yokozuna choosing different paths are influenced by individual aspirations and the changing times.
Log: That’s true. The future of the sumo world may require changes, as there’s a demand for the younger wrestlers to thrive and for new rules to be introduced.

Admin’s Note

The phenomenon of former yokozuna retiring one after another poses a significant challenge for the traditional sumo world. Like Chako’s question suggests, I’m curious about how the younger generation will carry on this tradition. Additionally, as Log pointed out, the introduction of new rules is also important. I look forward to seeing how the sumo world evolves in the future.